Intel has announced its intention to invest five million dollars in scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical education in Israeli high schools over the next four years. The initiative, which was announced by Intel’s CEO Paul Ottelini as he visited the country last week, will start in 25 schools of southern Israeli cities such as Kiryat Gat, Ashkelon, Beersheva, Netivot, Ashdod and even the Bedouin village of Hura, near Beersheva.

Most of the sum will be invested in the Education Ministry’s goal to increase the number of high school students graduating with scientific and technological diplomas from today’s 6.5 percent to 14 percent, a target that the ministry itself has planned to fund with NIS 50 million a year over the four-year period.

The new program, which will encompass about 4000 Israeli teenagers, is expected to be expanded to 200 schools in the country and attract more high-tech companies to join it. The Ministry of Education and Intel explained the enterprise is aimed at finding a long-term solution to the growing shortage of engineers in Israel.